Day: February 18, 2017

Alexander Murray Palmer “Alex” Haley (August 11, 1921 – February 10, 1992) was an American writer and the author of the 1976 book Roots: The Saga of an American Family. ABC adapted the book as a television miniseries of the same name and aired it in 1977 to a record-breaking audience of 130 million viewers. In the United States the book and miniseries raised the public awareness of African American history and inspired a broad interest in genealogy and family history.

Haley’s first book was The Autobiography of Malcolm X, published in 1965, a collaboration through numerous lengthy interviews with the subject, a major African-American leader.He was working on a second family history novel at his death. Haley had requested that David Stevens, a screenwriter, complete it; the book was published as Alex Haley’s Queen. It was adapted as a film of the same name released in 1992.

Alex Haley was born in Ithaca, New York, on August 11, 1921, and was the oldest of three brothers and a sister. Haley lived with his family in Henning, Tennessee, before returning to Ithaca with his family when he was five years old. Haley’s father was Simon Haley, a professor of agriculture at Alabama A&M University, and his mother was Bertha George Haley (née Palmer), who had grown up in Henning. The family had African American, Mandinka, Cherokee, Scottish, and Scots-Irish roots. Younger Haley always spoke proudly of his father and the obstacles of racism he had overcome.

Like his father, Alex Haley was enrolled at age 15 in Alcorn State University, a historically black college in Mississippi and, a year later, enrolled at Elizabeth City State College, also historically black, in North Carolina. The following year he returned to his father and stepmother to tell them he had withdrawn from college. His father felt that Alex needed discipline and growth, and convinced him to enlist in the military when he turned 18. On May 24, 1939, Alex Haley began what became a 20-year career in the United States Coast Guard.

Haley traced back his paternal ancestry, through genealogical research, to Jufureh.

Haley enlisted as a mess attendant. Later he was promoted to the rate of petty officer third-class in the rating of steward, one of the few ratings open to African Americans at that time. It was during his service in the Pacific theater of operations that Haley taught himself the craft of writing stories. During his enlistment other sailors often paid him to write love letters to their girlfriends. He said that the greatest enemy he and his crew faced during their long voyages was not the Japanese forces but rather boredom.

After World War II, Haley petitioned the U.S. Coast Guard to allow him to transfer into the field of journalism. By 1949 he had become a petty officer first-class in the rating of journalist. He later advanced to chief petty officer and held this grade until his retirement from the Coast Guard in 1959. He was the first chief journalist in the Coast Guard, the rating having been expressly created for him in recognition of his literary ability.

Haley’s awards and decorations from the Coast Guard include the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal (with 1 silver and 1 bronze service star), American Defense Service Medal (with “Sea” clasp), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Coast Guard Expert Marksmanship Medal. Further, the Republic of Korea awarded him the War Service Medal 10 years after he died.

After retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard, Haley began another phase of his journalism career. He eventually became a senior editor for Reader’s Digest magazine.

Established for over 17 years with a proven track record of success. Our founder is Pastor Lonnie McNamee. World wide Pastor’s fellowship is an organization that allows Pastors to fellowship to discuss the state of affairs in the universal church. The organization meets four times a year (Quarterly). Members of the organization varies from different denominations and churches.

Join us for free event featuring; Live music, historical and textile exhibits, story telling, children arts and craft, vendors, face painting, community resource boots, and Andre’s soul food kitchen! See you there.

In observance of Black History Month, the Agape Community Church Music Department will host an amazing “Too Blessed To BeStressed”Gospel Concert and catered Soul Food Dinner on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Agape Community Church, 1722 East Lancaster Boulevard, Lancaster, CA 93535.Dinner will be served at 4:00 p.m.Theatre doors will open for the concert at 5:30 p.m.

The concert will feature local award winning Gospel artist Minister Frank Graves with the renowned musical ensemble God’s Gift. Special guests will include musIc industry’s talented keyboardist Roman Johnson who is currently playing for the legendary Stevie Wonder.Roman resides in the Antelope Valley and is also a musician for Living Stone Cathedral of Praise in Littlerock.

Lead guitarist Mel Booker a graduate of Southwest Texas State is also of the AV and owner of Mel Booker Music in Lancaster. He offers music instruction from voice to instrumentals and band instrument rentals.Keyboardist Dwayne Jones is the Pastor of Living Water Worship Center in Lancaster.He is a graduate of American Intercontinental University with a BA in IT. Pastor Jones retired from the Department of Defense after 32 years of service.

Bass player Mark Vaughn is co-founder of the Love on Purpose ministry and is ministering on bass at Wayside Christian Center in Lancaster.Drummer Anthony Cummins-Conedy is a graduate of Eastside High School in Lancaster and is currently attending the Music Institute in Hollywood.Anthony is the drummer for Living Praise Christian Center. Also included as special guest will be

Tha Apock, a talented musician, singer, songwriter who has performed with many Gospel groups and worked with some of radio’s talented rock, pop, R&B, and country music artists.

The Too Blessed to Be Stressed musical presentations will reflect the history of Gospel music as well as celebrate the importance of Black History Month.Wear your bestAfrican attire and join us for an evening of celebration, Gospel music, good food, Black History and fun fellowship.

The admission ticket donation of $25.00 per person includes the dinner and concert.